WNY Youth of the Year
by Richard Mack
Riverside Review
March 2000: Everyone knew Raju Somani was a winner, now it's official. The 1999 Town - Shaffer Village Boys and Girls Club member has been selected as WNY Clubs 2000 Youth of the Year, an accomplishment that earned him a $1,000 college scholarship from the Corporation for National Service.
Sponsored by the Reader's Digest Assoc. and administered by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (B&GCA), the Youth of the Year program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, obstacles overcome and outstanding service to Boys and Girls Clubs and the community.
The 17-year old is a positive role model for today's young people. Shaffer Village Club Unit Director Robert Nowak first met Raju when he joined the club at the age of six. "He was a small, introverted, shy child with virtually no friends. It was immediately clear while his intellect was superior, he would never compete athletically, which is the easiest way to gain popularity," explained Nowak.
Instead, Raju focused on ways to contribute to the club by being helpful in all areas of activities. He displayed great discipline by continuing to compete in games, learning and craft classes. He succeeded in overcoming his differences and shyness, and has grown into an outstanding youth that is respected by all.
"I am especially proud of his contribution to other children who, at a young age, display some of the same problems he faced," said Nowak. "He is truly a role model for our younger members. It must be noted here that his development took place in one of the most depressed, rough housing projects in our city of Buffalo. He never succumbed to the peer pressure of gangs, violence, and all other negative aspects of his environment. I count on Raju for assistance in computer class, and our 'Smart Kids Program.' He has never let me down."
His strength lies in family, religion, and values, which he freely shares with other members. He continues to inspire pride in all staff members, and devotes his time to all youth.
Raju is apparently so well rounded that he has been chosen as Member of the Year from a field of competition encompassing much larger clubs. Shaffer Village is the smallest, and only club located in a housing project in all of Erie County.
"Against all odds. That's my boy!" says Nowak.
"Being recognized as Youth of the Year comes as quite a shock, I certainly feel honored and I would like to thank Robert Nowak and the Shaffer Village Boys and Girls Club for everything," said Raju Somani.
Somani will compete against other Boys and Girls Club youth for the New York State Youth of the Year Title April 26th at West Point Academy. If Somani wins, he will receive a $25,000 scholarship for post-secondary education from Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network. This will make the 3rd year that the Angel Network provided scholarships for Youth of the Year winners.
Five regional winners from among the state winners will compete for the national honor in Washington D.C., where the president will officially install the national Youth of the Year in a White House ceremony in September. The winner will also receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Readers Digest Assoc., sponsor of the program since its inception in 1947.
The Town Shaffer Village Club has played an integral role in the Buffalo community for 50 years providing daily programs and services 1800-2000 young people. The club is open Monday -Friday, 3-9 pm and Saturday, 10-5 pm. With programs in Smart Moves (Drug Prevention), Power Hour (Homework Help), Talking with T.J. (Conflict Resolution), Ultimate Journey (Environmental), and Artist Club (Fine Arts).
For more information about the Club, call at 873-3244.
